Profession podiatry assistant

Podiatry assistants help the podiatrist by carrying out supportive tasks such as assisting in diagnosing and treating the disorders, diseases and deformities of the feet, advising people on foot care techniques and the importance of foot care for promoting better mobility and general well-being. They also perform small tasks such as cutting toe nails, applying plasters and general clerical duties.

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Personality Type

• Social / Conventional

Knowledge

• Podiatric surgery

  The surgical specialty used to treat conditions and deformities of the feet such as tendon, heel and hammer toe surgery.

• Foot problems

  Conditions and disorders affecting the health and well being of feet such as fungal infections, ingrown nails, verrucas, smelly feet, flat feet and bunions.

• Orthopaedic conditions

  The physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, and natural history of common orthopaedic conditions and injuries.

• Administrative tasks in a medical environment

  The medical administrative tasks such as registration of patients, appointment systems, record keeping of patients information and repeated precribing.

• Dermatology

  Dermatology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

• Podiatric diseases

  Field of information which distinguishes different kinds of podiatric diseases and disorders regarding foot problems, injuries and maladies, and how to treat them by using conservative and surgical options.

• Chiropody

  Medical practice dealing with disorders of the feet.

• Health records management

  The procedures and importance of record keeping in a healthcare system such as hospitals or clinics, the information systems used to keep and process records and how to achieve maximum accuracy of records.

• Orthopaedic treatment alternatives

  The appropriate available non-operative and operative treatment alternatives for common orthopaedic conditions and injuries, the benefits and limitations of each type of treatment as well as any potential side effects or complications of the treatment.

• Clinical coding

  The matching of clinical statements with standard codes of illnesses and treatments through use of a classification system.

• Types of orthopedic supplies

  Various types of orthopaedic supplies such as braces and arm supports, used for physical therapy or physical rehabilitation.

• Orthopaedics

  Orthopaedics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

Skills

• Shape nails

  Shape nails by cutting and smoothening the ends of the nails, with the use of files, scissors or emery boards.

• Provide medication information

  Provide patients with information about their medication, possible side effects, and contra-indications.

• Comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice

  Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.

• Collect healthcare user data under supervision

  Collect qualitative and quantitative data related to the healthcare user's physical, psychological, emotional and social status and functional ability within set parameters, monitoring healthcare user's responses and status during the performance of assigned measures/tests and taking appropriate action, including reporting the findings to the physiotherapist.

• Perform clinical coding procedures

  Match and record correctly the specific illnesses and treatments of a patient by using a clinical codes classification system.

• Communicate effectively in healthcare

  Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.

• Respond to changing situations in health care

  Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.

• Promote foot health

  Provide information and guidance on means to keep ones feet healthy by wearing appropriate footwear or avoiding unhealthy practices such as fungal infections.

• Record treated patient's information

  Record information accurately relating to the progress of the patient during therapy sessions.

• Recommend orthotic devices

  Suggest patients to use tailor-made insoles, padding and arch supports to relieve feet pain.

• Provide footwear advice to patients

  Inform patients on the types of footwear available and suitable for their feet conditions or disorders to increase foot well being.

• Follow clinical guidelines

  Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.

• Treat patients' nails

  Use a nail drill to reduce thickening toenails and remove debris from their sulci by inserting nail packs.

• Advise on healthcare users' informed consent

  Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.

• Develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship

  Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.

• Maintain medical devices

  Ensure all medical devices and appliances are properly stored and taken care of so they maintain their functionality and appearance.

• Ensure safety of healthcare users

  Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB